Tiger Woods’ long-awaited return to action is over, albeit at an unofficial PGA Tour event. The 15-time major champion will play in and host a 20-man field at this week’s Hero World Challenge in The Bahamas.
Resident golf expert Jason Sobel has his tips and predictions for the tournament, including an outright selection.
All eyes will be on Tiger, who last teed it up at the 2023 Masters eight months ago. The 47-year-old made the cut at Augusta but withdrew during the third round due to foot and heel pain. He makes his return in an event he loves as much as any – Woods will play the Hero World Challenge for sixth time in 10 years, his most appearances at a single event in that span along with, you guessed it, The Masters.
It will be fascinating to watch Woods back out there, but don’t expect him to set the world on fire. Tiger has the longest odds in the field to win outright at +6600.
Instead, Jason is eyeing Woods’ close pal and first-round partner for an outright play - Justin Thomas at +1400.
It’s been a 2023 to forget for Thomas, who missed the cut at three of four majors and finished T65 at the one he made at the PGA Championship. The two-time major champion also failed to reach the FedEx Cup Playoffs by a single shot.
Not only should Thomas benefit from the relaxed environment in The Bahamas, but he’ll see it as an opportunity to springboard into 2024 and try and forget what was a hugely-disappointing season.
Thomas is fifth in the betting behind last year’s champion Viktor Hovland (+375), Scottie Scheffler (+500), Collin Morikawa (+750) and Max Homa (+800).
Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
Generic (with Same Game Parlay)